Throttle pushes from the wall, his hand outstretched for me to take. “Dude. I’m gonna fucking miss you, though, y’ know?”
I grin, a strange appreciation falling over me. “You too, brother. You too.” I pull him into a side embrace and I’m actually going to miss him. That ain’t no lie. I’m going to miss all of them. They kept me grounded, until, well, they didn’t. But it wasn’t up to them to keep me in line, it was my own responsibility. It helped, just couldn’t be one hundred percent controlled. I had to find the light in myself. It wasn’t gone, just dimmed apparently. Though at times, I felt like I’d be lost forever.
Eyes avoid me and I know why. I catch Tank moving his jaw and rubbing his eyes and Bullet staring at his boots that aren’t’ that great for as much attention as he’s giving them. Charger’s expression is grimace along with Brass’s who fuck, I don’t evenknow that well and he looks like someone kneed him in the balls. I wince, but then a deep swell of gratitude forms in my chest.
Fuck. These men are truly my goddamn brothers, and I owe them so much.
Chain slams the custom gavel down and heads shoot up. “You’ll always be a part of the Steel Valley Chains. Never forget that, brother.”
And together, they all chant, “We ride the steel. We ride the wheels. Forever!” Each one slams a fist to the long table, and I meet every eye, nodding in appreciation.
I swallow down the tears, but fuck, I’m becoming an emotional man.
“Well fuck me, who’s the prick cuttin’ onions?” Tank wipes his face with his meaty forearm, and I catch others doing the same.
We end church on that note, Throttle taking longer to bid me a farewell. It’s my last club meeting and I take my time studying the now empty table and chairs.
I shrug out of my cut, folding it nicely and setting it down on the table. I tap my knuckles along the wood then kiss my fingers and place them on my name that’s sewed onto the black leather.
Until we meet again.
THIRTY-NINE
Danika
I scan the empty gym as the early morning sun rises casting a bright hue inside. My nerves get the best of me, but I tuck them away because this is mine. A treasure I get to hold close to my heart. Something that I can call my own.
Stepping forward, I tie my long hair into a high ponytail, letting the rest cascade down my shoulder blades.
Holy freakin’ shit. I’m happy. A smile crosses my face, and it’s genuine joy. Everything is aligning.
Liem.
Our future together.
The gym.
For the first time I’m not scared because even though I’m doing this myself, I’m not alone. I have a family. I’ll never be alone again. I have a good man who loves me deeply for who I am and that alone makes my heart full.
The door to the gym opens and Tequila walks in with a smile as big as mine. “Hey! You ready?”
I take a deep breath, slowly letting it out. “No. But yes.” I throw a smirk her way. “But I am nervous. It’s been a really long time since I’ve taught a class.”
She throws an arm around my shoulders. “You’re gonna kill it, I know you will.”
“Thanks for everything.” I look toward the woman I consider a great friend, a sister in some ways, and her eyes gloss over. “You and your club accepted me with open arms, and for that, I will never know how to say thank you, except by saying thank you.” I chuckle and she sniffs, wiping a single fallen tear away.
“Shit. You’re making me cry.”
I smile but hold her stare. “I’m going to miss seeing you all the time.”
Even though I’ll be teaching yoga class once a week, it won’t be the same as popping in every day or every other. While we believe we’ll be staying locally, me and Liem don’t know for sure what the plan will be.
Tequila huffs. “I’m really happy for you both. But I am going to miss you a lot. You guys better come and visit us.”
“Well, duh. And I’ll be here once a week.”
“It’s not enough!”
